The Official Web Site of the City of Scottsdale, Arizona

Constitution Contest

A message from Mayor W.J. "Jim" Lane

Dear Scottsdale Students,

On September 17, 1787, the United States Constitution was signed by thirty nine men who bravely changed the course of history. I invite you to participate in my Constitution Day Essay Contest in celebration of this momentous occasion, and to promote a good understanding and appreciation of our nation’s finest document.

Best of luck to you all,

W.J. “Jim” Lane
Mayor of Scottsdale

Mayor's Constitution Day Contest

CATEGORIES:

GRADES 1-5
Construct a 250 essay, art in any medium, or video on the topic “What the Constitution means to me.”

A Grand prize winner for the essay and art categories will each receive a $100 gift certificate to Scottsdale Fashion Square.

GRADES 6-8
In an 1856 speech, Abraham Lincoln said “Don’t interfere with anything in the Constitution. That must be maintained, for it is the only safeguard of our liberties.” Please construct a 500 word essay, artwork or a video on why you think President Lincoln believed this.

A Grand prize winner for the essay and art categories will each receive a $150 gift certificate to Scottsdale Fashion Square.

GRADES 9-12
Construct an essay of at least 1000 words, art in any medium or video that presents your argument in favor of the any one of the 27 Constitutional Amendments you choose and why it is important to American society as a whole. .

A Grand prize winner for the essay and art categories will each receive a $200 gift certificate to Scottsdale Fashion Square.

RULES:

All essays and art must be the original work of the student.

Essays may be typed or hand written.

Art may be in any medium.

Videos will be included in the art category and must:
o Be less than 3 minutes in length
o Be posted to YouTube
o Link to the YouTube post must be e-mailed to rsmetana@scottsdaleaz.gov

Winners must live in Scottsdale or attend a Scottsdale school.

The essay, artwork, or e-mailed link must include the child’s:
o Full Name
o Grade
o Age
o Address
o Phone number
o School
o Title of essay or artwork
o E-mail *optional*

All submissions will be considered the property of the city and may not be returned. Winning submissions may be displayed in City Hall.

Entries must be submitted, mailed or postmarked by 5 p.m. Sept. 3, 2014. Entries must be submitted at any Scottsdale Public Library information desk, at Scottsdale City Hall or electronically to Rachel Smetana in the Mayor’s office (rsmetana@scottsdaleaz.gov).

JUDGING CRITERIA:

Each category will be judged separately by a panel of judges.

The message about the Constitution should be clear.

All contest rules must be followed.

All entrants and their families are invited to an awards reception with Mayor Lane at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 17, 2014 at the Civic Center Auditorium, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd.

If you have questions or need additional information regarding the contest, please contact Rachel Smetana, rsmetana@scottsdaleaz.gov or 480-312-7977.